âThe more precious things you have in your hands...â
It was indeed a rare moment for the Supreme General to have a moment to linger in his own home especially nowadays where secrets are slowly being spilled like a mockingbird's call. As such, he was grateful for a minute amount of reprieve and to be in the presence of his greatest creations as to say. Yes, he was no inventor or a scientist much like his fellow peer. However, that does not limit him in his ability to produce beautiful things in this seemingly bleak world of theirs. "Asha. Aislin" He called out to his children, his twins who answered him with great enthusiasm.
"Daddy!" Both of the girls stated with happiness as they went towards their father. It was truly by chance whenever they would be able to see him. Most of the time, they were already sleeping or he had already left for work. Frankly speaking, they do not see each other much despite living in one house. That is why moments like these are very important and never taken for granted knowing that their father is a busy man protecting the domes. "Have you been good?" The girls nodded energetically and began to show him their works at school. It seemed they were doing excellently and working hard. He smiled proudly at them and gently patted their heads. "Very good, both of you."
The girls were happy of being praised as they attached themselves immediately to their father by holding on his hands. Asha took the left one while Aislin took the right. "Daddy, I'm going to star in a play!" Asha excitedly said while Aislin chimed in too. "Daddy, I'm going to play the piano at the talent show!" He listened to them diligently as his eyes held such gentleness and peace which is never seen by his subordinates or other fellow Triumvirate members. It was clear to say that Caine truly adored his children, his family more than anything else.
"They really missed you a lot." His eyes rose to meet the loving gaze of his wife. The girls had already fallen asleep while curled warmly to his arms. Although, they had managed to tell him everything he needed to know and even asked him when their Uncle Teleus would be coming for pancakes. "I missed them too. Including, you, Nadia." Hearing this, she approached him who was sitting comfortably on the couch with the girls sleeping peacefully with an affectionate smile. She placed the cup of tea she had prepared for him at the coffee table. "I missed you too, Caine." After saying that, she felt herself being pulled towards him. It seemed he had managed to free one of his arms. Soon, their lips met chastely. But, it was enough to deliver that treasured emotions they have for each other.
In any case, they tucked Asha and Aislin to their beds before returning to the living room for some time between them. "You will be leaving soon, right?" He took a sip of his tea and gave a short nod. That was right. He will be touring a new military facility at Dome 83. "Yes. You're worried, again." He noted as he looked at her. Placing down his cup, he gently placed a hand upon her cheek. "You will say it's fine. But, I will always be worried." Caine can't blame her for that, knowing she is aware of the current events being filtered to the media stream, the explosion at Dome 167, the assassination attempt of the Prime Minister, and now the power failure of the Vie. "I will come back always to you." Nadia held the hand on her cheek and kissed it gently. "You better do."
Such tender moments continued, it was only disrupted with the ringing of his phone. As it would appear, time is up. He answered it. "A request?" His eyes regained its usual mark when he is at work. "Tell them it's granted. I will be waiting for them there." Ending the call, he looked at Nadia who understood that he needs to go. She had an idea what kind of life she will be having when she answered his proposal with a yes. "I'll be going now." She nodded with that loving smile and gave him a see you soon kiss. "Take care, darling."
âThe more scared you are for you have many to lose...â
"Of course, Rosie is a smart one!" Uno stated with pride and affection unhindered by anything as he returned his attention to the HUD screen. Actually, he had no idea that it can do such a thing. Probably, it had been looking around too much freely and due to various consequences operated one. When he returns, he would need to ensure that security of the doors and vents. It would be troublesome for him if a feline who should know nothing about locks was able to get through. Well, he was still proud of what Rosie could do even if it was just by accident. "Aren't you?"
Noticing the question directed at it, Rosie meowed happily even its expression depicted that of a smiling cat. "You're the cutest Rosie I want to hug you so badly." Rosie purred at the show of affection and knowing that would be impossible. It pointed instead at Stella who can be seen through the camera. He looked at the direction and noticed Stella was done with the cooking and even gave him a bowl to eat. It seemed that it was becoming quite the habit for someone to cook for him. But, the meowing brought him back to the situation which was being presented to him by no less than a cat. "No can do." There was no way that was happening anytime soon. The only exception would be the bike riding but other than that, he sees nothing to be gained from it. Hearing this, Rosie hissed in a rather annoyed manner and finally ended the communication link.
Blinking his eyes for a few times, he then released a sigh. "So temperamental." He murmured to himself. It seemed Rosie was irritated of being turned down. Well, he did spoil Rosie relentlessly. He was only taken from his stupor when he caught the question that Stella threw his way. His eyes locked on her face as a cunning smile was upon his lips. The childish sentiment which was present before vanished. "We'll be having a press conference." With a tap of finger, a scheduled itinerary flashed across the HUD screen. There was even an official letter to the media about the conference. "It will be held here at Specter tomorrow with the Supreme General."
A face of the leader of the Military Section, Caine Abernatty was presented. The man is a well-decorated soldier so, it was no surprise that he had been chosen to be the Prime Minister's representation for military might. He had no doubt that security will be tight but, it would not be difficult as the focus will be on the Prime Minister who would be having his State Address. "I'll be able to get us inside taking identities of being member of the press." His eyes flashed with excitement and unadulterated determination as he gazed at the screen. It was akin to a hunter keen on toying with its prey. "But, I would need a few minutes to set up to divert from the Network surveillance and then put it online where it could be seen." This time, his eyes returned to look at her. "You'll be in charge of protection. Think you can handle it?" He asked with his goading tone and those eyes sizing her up.
"Supreme General Abernatty is the Prime Minister's sword and I believe he is also in direct command of the GHOST." It was then he tried the stew that she cooked and had a satisfied expression on his face while giving an approving nod. "We're not there to kill anyone but, they will kill us if they found out what we're about to do. And that will give us a very pressing situation." He then closed his HUD and glanced at her sideways. Those orange eyes narrowed with a danger reminiscent of the first time they met. However, they seemed to hold a slightly blunter edge. "I wonder if you're up for the challenge, princess." It ended with a playful smirk across his lips as he ate his meal once more.
âSo, I settled with nothing, or so, I thought.â
The pace he had set for them was neither fast nor slow. Usually, he would have hastened their departure. However, he had the inkling to preserve this moment. So, he did without much thought or rhyme. His eyes focused on the path ahead of them. He had already notified the sanitation crew about the battle scene. It was probably being cleaned up and being sealed off until further notice. He would also be filing up a report of this incident and send a copy to Dr. Ilyana Golikova as the matters of the Seed now donning the name of Cass is her relative. This would be used by him as a means to question her for future reference.
In any case, it was his natural duty to inform his superiors of the pertinent information he had obtained. Yet somehow, he is not certain of some the details should be said. Looking to his side, his eyes landed on Darcia who had finally spoke of the itineraries of the Prime Minister and the Triumvirate. As it would appear, they had nothing scheduled for the day. However, it would be different for tomorrow. Without stopping from his walk, he returned his attention to in front of him. His mind was currently in process of plausible scenarios and his observation patterns of their targets. As Darcia had implied, Dr. Dietrich Engels and Ms. Helena Ashworthy's appointments would hardly be a suitable venue. It was certain that the targets will not be returning to Vie as they would be placed in a disadvantageous position there. Moreover, they would not attempt another breach with the Prime Minister present.
Thus, there was only one logical location left...
Just like that, they continued on their path and soon found themselves inside the prepared transport for Dome 83. At the same time, permission to be added as bodyguards to the Supreme General had been granted. Well for now, they could rest as he is aware that when a new day comes, new tribulations will be upon them.